Celebrating Independence Day

The Fourth of July celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, whose principles are cherished by democratic and progressive people everywhere. In the United States, we are blessed with abundant liberty and opportunity. Our pursuit of social justice inspires world leaders and influential thinkers and propels history forward.

1919: Two women (possibly in the Washington, DC area) dressed as Liberty and Columbia as part of the year’s Fourth of July celebration. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

No holiday brings together more people than the Fourth of July. Every city and most towns have big celebrations. Flags and red, white, and blue banners fill public places. Parades fill the streets and bands play patriotic music. Americans enjoy sports events and have family barbecues. Beach-goers stream to the shores and land-lovers gather for picnics at historic and scenic locations. Fireworks light up the evening skies. Independence Day deserves thoughtful analysis. Children take to this holiday with much enthusiasm. The Fourth of July is a day when adults can encourage children to learn about and participate in civic duties.

Children march in a Fourth of July parade of their own in the 1960s. (Everett Collection)

1895: Boys stand on a model ship on horse-drawn float in Victor, Colorado’s Fourth of July parade. Photo courtesy of the Denver Public Library.

1916: Child dressed as Liberty. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pa (Public Domain)

Tourism is popular on the Fourth of July. Tourists visit national monuments and historic places. Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., are popular destinations. These cities have buildings associated with the nation’s early history and dramatic events. The Declaration of Independence was adopted at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, and in 1787 the U.S. Constitution was written within its walls. Independence Hall offers tourists a wonderful destination to commemorate the birth of our nation.

Colorado, nicknamed the Centennial State, joined the nation as a full-fledged state in 1876, a hundred years after the signing of the Declaration. Rocky Mountain National Park is called America’s favorite playground. Tourists to the state’s capital, Denver, enjoy the city, which has antique shops selling souvenirs that make ideal gifts and are treasured collectibles.